Pope appoints two Papal delegates to the Centenary of Rome’s Synagogue

Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls announced on Wednesday that Pope John Paul will not be attending the ceremony on May 23 celebrating the centenary of the synagogue in Rome, but will send two personal representatives.

The Italian press was speculating that this could be the second occasion in which the Pontiff would visit the Synagogue of Rome; however, the Pope took the unusual decision of appointing two representatives instead of one.

The ceremony will be attended by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, accompanied by Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.